The Uprising Sevens team players stood tall until the last minute to beat the New Zealand Emerging team by 21-19 in the Uprising Fiji International Sevens tournament which is currently underway at Churchill Park.

Former Fiji Sevens rep Metuisela Talebula dictated the game throughout and prevented the Gordon Teitjens outfit from getting a win.

The New Zealand Emerging side will now play URF Army at 3.46pm and you can catch the live commentary on our sister station Viti FM.

The FMF Fiji Warriors also showed a lot of determination with a 24-19 win over URF Army.

Digicel Fiji Sevens head coach Alifereti Dere said the Warriors will need to improve their defense.

The Fiji Warriors will now play Uprising Sevens at 4.07pm.

Defending champion Ministry of Health sponsored Wardens earlier lost to Yamacia by 17-14 while Police beat Tonga 24-7.

Meanwhile, Digicel Fiji Barbarians are breathing a sigh of relief after a close 19-15 win over the Lomaiviti Barbarians.

The Lomaiviti Barbarians led by veteran Marika Vunibaka were leading 15-12 when one of their former players Josua Tuisova scored a late try to secure the win for the Digicel Fiji Barbarians.  

Samisoni Viriviri and Joji Raqamate scored two other tries for the Fiji Babaas.

In another match, the Pio Tuwai and Dan Rawaqa led Tokatoka Barbarians side beat FWCC Red Rock 22-5.

The Samoan Barbarians have also started the tournament on a high after a 19-7 win against the Samurai Barracudas who have players like Iliesa Keresoni, Nasoni Roko and David Batiratu.

The Australian Thunderbolts also look good in this tournament as they beat Viliame Satala’s Lautoka Hurricanes 17-14.

Australian Thunderbolts coach Michael O’Connor said it was a close game and his players need to lift their performance despite registering a win.